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HODGES DISPERSED RECREATION AREA

Open

Open for dispersed camping. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026, prohibiting campfires at all dispersed camping sites. Only liquid petroleum or LPG stoves with on/off switches are permitted for cooking. Most seasonal forest road closures ended May 1.

Carson National Forest

Cannabis Possession Prohibited

Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…

Carson National Forest

Mogote Ridge Fire Closures: CDT and Nearby Roads

The following are closed due to the Mogote Ridge Fire:ClosedDescriptionContinental Divide National Scenic TrailBetween Forest Service Roads 724 and 559 (also known as County Road 280 and N.M. State Road 110). Detour using 724 and 559 (view map)Forest Service Road 406AFull lengthForest Service Road…

Carson National Forest

Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area

Dates for the 2027 temporary closure of the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area for local community, traditional purposes are expected in July 2027.

About

Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area provides free, primitive camping opportunities within Carson National Forest in Taos County, New Mexico. As a dispersed camping area, there are no developed facilities such as restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, or designated fire rings. Campers should come fully prepared to be self-sufficient. The Carson National Forest spans 1.5 million acres of northern New Mexico, encompassing portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and San Juan Basin. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout most of the forest on durable surfaces and pre-established sites. Campers must set up at least 100 feet from water sources and properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters. No permits or reservations are required for dispersed camping. The stay limit is 14 days within any 45-day period. During fire restriction periods, campfires are prohibited at dispersed sites. Campers must pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Directions

From Peñasco, NM, travel southeast on State Road 73 for approximately 12 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 116 and continue to Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (575) 587-2255

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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